High speed input/output module and programmable logic control device

Abstract

A programmable logic control (PLC) device for executing a logical operation process of a sequence for program. The PLC device includes a PLC control unit (10) and a high speed input/output module (20) capable of executing a logical operation at a high speed in response to an external input signal and externally outputting a result of the logical operation, whereby an external signal to be processed at high speed can be processed without using a special processing unit.

I claim: 
     
       1. A high speed input/output module for a programmable logical control (PLC) device and a numerical control apparatus, comprising: programmable logic control means;   a programmable logical operation element, operatively connected to said programmable logic control means, for executing a logical operation at high speed in response to an external input signal and an output from said programmable logic control means, for externally outputting a result of the logical operation, and for inputting a result to said programmable logic control means;   at least one input module, operatively connected to said programmable logic control means, for receiving signals which must not be executed at high speed; and   at least one output module, operatively connected to said programmable logic control means, for outputting signals at low speed from said programmable logic control means.   
     
     
       2. A high speed input/output module according to claim 1, wherein said logical operation element comprises an EPROM. 
     
     
       3. A high speed input/output module according to claim 1, wherein said logical operation element comprises a programmable logic device (PLD). 
     
     
       4. A high speed input/output module according to claim 1, wherein said logical operation element comprises a RAM. 
     
     
       5. A high speed input/output module according to claim 1, wherein said programmable logic operation element comprises: an input circuit for receiving said external input signal;   a first latch, connected to said input circuit, for storing said external input signal;   a programmable device, connected to said first latch, for outputting a specific output pattern in accordance with said external input signal;   a second latch, connected to said programmable device, for storing said specific output pattern; and   an output circuit, connected to said latch, for outputting said stored specific output pattern.